The Sacred Pilgrimage of Prayagraj
Prayagraj — formerly known as Allahabad — is one of the most ancient and spiritually significant cities in India. Revered in the Hindu tradition as “Teerthraj” (the King of Pilgrimage Sites), Prayagraj is uniquely blessed by the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of three sacred rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati.
A pilgrimage to Prayagraj is not just a journey through holy geography, but a spiritual purification that resonates with Vedic tradition, divine legends, and timeless devotion.
According to ancient scriptures, Prayagraj was chosen by Lord Brahma to perform the first Yajna (sacred fire ritual), making it the birthplace of sacrifice and cosmic order. It is believed that drops of Amrit (nectar of immortality) fell at this site during the celestial battle in the legend of the Samudra Manthan, making it one of the four locations of the Kumbh Mela.
Places to Visit During Your Yatra
Triveni Sangam
The holiest spot in Prayagraj where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. Pilgrims bathe at the Sangam to cleanse sins and perform ancestral rituals (Pind Daan). A boat ride to the Sangam is considered an essential part of the pilgrimage.
Bade Hanuman Ji Temple
This unique temple houses a reclining idol of Lord Hanuman, partially submerged below ground level. It is believed that the idol rises slightly each year and holds great power in protecting the city.
Akshayavat (The Immortal Banyan Tree)
Located within the Patalpuri Temple inside the Allahabad Fort, this sacred banyan tree is believed to be eternal. Pilgrims visit here to seek eternal blessings and liberation.
Alopi Devi Temple
This ancient Shakti Peeth is unique for its deity — a formless power, symbolized by a wooden chariot. The goddess here is believed to protect devotees from the unseen.
Anand Bhavan & Swaraj Bhavan
Though not a traditional religious site, these homes of the Nehru-Gandhi family showcase the city’s historical depth and role in India’s independence movement.
Prayadraj Dham Yatra Guide
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Prayagraj is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. Summers (April to June) can be extremely hot with temperatures soaring up to 45°C, making outdoor exploration challenging.
The monsoon season (July to September) brings lush greenery to the region but can sometimes cause inconvenience due to heavy rainfall and possible flooding of the Mandakini River.
Special Festival Times:
- Ram Navami (March-April): Celebrates Lord Ram's birthday
- Deepotsav (October-November): Grand celebration during Diwali
- Maha Shivratri (February-March): Special celebrations at Kamtanath temple
How to Reach
By Air
Bamrauli airport at Allahabad is the nearest airport, 106 km. away from Chitrakoot. Next is Khajuraho Airport which is 167 km away from Chitrakoot. Both the airports have daily flight services to Delhi.
By Train
From Chitrakoot to Hajrat Nizamuddin (N. Delhi) via Banda.
From Chitrakoot to Allahabad, Mughal Sarai, Hawraha via Manikpur.
From Chitrakoot to Kurla (Mumbai) via Jhansi.
From Chitrakoot to Lucknow via Banda.
From Chitrakoot to Varanasi via Manikpur.
By Road
From Chitrakoot to Mirzapur via Allahabad.
From Chitrakoot to Rajapur.
From Chitrakoot to Panna via Attra & Naraini.
From Chitrakoot to Banda, Kanpur & Lucknow.
From Chitrakoot to Sagar via Mahoba.
Accommodation Options
Chitrakoot offers a range of accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences:
- Dharamshalas: Run by various trusts and religious organizations, offering simple and affordable accommodation.
- Government Guest Houses: Comfortable stay options managed by the government tourism department.
- Private Hotels: Several budget to mid-range hotels are available in and around Chitrakoot.
- Ashrams: Some ashrams offer accommodation for spiritual seekers with simple facilities.
It's advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals.
Essential Tips for Pilgrims
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear as you'll be walking a lot.
- Carry a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during summer.
- Remove footwear before entering temples as a mark of respect.
- Photography may be restricted in some temple areas; always ask for permission.
- Maintain silence and decorum in temple premises.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples.
- Consider hiring a local guide for a better understanding of the historical and religious significance.
- Plan for at least 2-3 days to cover all the important religious sites comfortably.